Our latest extended motor coach trip took us to Branson, Mo.

A full schedule of Christmas shows was included in this four-day trip. This is a popular trip for many people whether by motor coach or motoring down with family or friends.

We were kept busy with many stops and enjoyed the beautiful weather, with holiday decorations, minus the snow.

The first show was at the Kings Castle Theater for Branson’s No. 1 all-singing, all-dancing, Hollywood Christmas Show. That entertained us with our favorite classic holiday songs, dazzling scenery, and gorgeous costumes.

Next up was The Sight and Sound Theater, a Biblical-themed theater, for the 4,000-year-old story of “Joseph.”

The costuming thrilled the audience with its epic musical production. A cast of more than 45 adult and child actors, along with live animals, brought the majesty of ancient Egypt to the stage. It was a moving experience. This is the fourth show produced in this theater and each is not to be missed while visiting Branson.

We also took a dinner cruise on beautiful Table Rock Lake aboard the magnificent showboat the Branson Belle.

There was an all new show highlighting the entertainment along with a great meal.

Singing waiters served the dinner making for a nice addition to their show. Also highlighting some of the entertainment, was an aerial violinist who happened to originally be from Racine, Wis. She performed a breath-taking act high above the stage, while wrapping her legs around a couple of ropes for support. Comedian, Christopher James, who also served as emcee was a fresh and fun part of this new show.

We made a return visit to the popular Daniel O’Donnell show. Many continue to watch him on Public Television and are excited to see his show and listen to him and his side partner, Mary Duff.

He continues to grab the audience’s full attention, with his gentle voice, and he also enjoys dancing to his own music across the stage.

His Irish background and hometown boy appeal is just what many motor coach travelers are pleased with.

Daniel is only there on a limited schedule and will move into the Andy Williams Theater in 2013. He also makes appearances in our area of the country as many have been greeted personally by him. We have taken motor coach groups to his shows near here several times.

A highlight of this Branson Christmas tour for many of our group was attending the Johnny Mathis Christmas Show. This show was at the Mansion America Theater and had the most beautiful setting and light changes.

He came out immediately and began singing our favorites, opening with “Chances Are,” “Wonderful, Wonderful,” continuting for an hour with many more songs.

The orchestra consisted of local musicians was special in itself.

Mathis is one of the last of the traditional vocalists who emerged before 1960. Still entertaining, he has sold more than 350 million records and albums.

Mathis only is only performing two shows a year in Branson so we were glad that we were able to see him once again.

 

Upcoming

Plans are in full swing for our Feb. 22 to March 4 get-a-way to Miami Beach and the Key West, Fla., via a deluxe motor coach.

We will cruise Biscayne Bay, spend time at the Hollywood Beach and South Beach area, along with the Bayside Marketplace.

There will be a guided tour of Miami, plus a visit to Key West, the southernmost city in the United States. Call our Travel number or stop by at the Mower County Senior Center for a brochure for more information. A reminder that travel gift certificate of any amount is available to help with your holiday gift-giving. Stop by the travel office at the Mower County Senior Center.